TWO “impeccable” young men who punched and kicked another man were spared prison.

Liverpool crown court heard Philip Tattersall, 22, and Christopher Cunning-ham, 21, were out in Southport and were going home on June 7 last year when they were approached by Richard Power near a Lord Street taxi rank.

Sarah Holt, prosecuting, said Cunningham punched Mr Power several times, while Tattersall threw blows before kicking him while he was on the ground.

But Judge John Roberts heard they were both hard-working men with no previous convictions and admitted affray.

He said: “You are young men of not just good but impeccable character.”

He sentenced Tattersall, of Heather Way, Formby, to six months in prison and Cunningham, of Elm Park Drive, Ainsdale, to three months, both suspended for 12 months.